1. DMPA on TikTok
- #DepoProvera, An analysis of the most popular TikTok videos about Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Contraception
TikTok has become a major source of information about contraception for the general public. However, much of the information is shaped by personal anecdotes rather than evidence-based facts. This study analyzed the 100 most-watched TikTok videos mentioning DMPA (64 million cumulative views), evaluating medical accuracy, tone and intent. Most content creators were female-presenting laypeople, and 60% had a negative impression of DMPA. One third of videos were made by medical professionals, whose content was notably more scientifically accurate. Findings highlight the need for clinicians to proactively address online misinformation, validate users’ experiences, and provide evidence-based counseling that aligns with patients’ digital realities.
2. OTC pill sales
- One Year of Opill: Retail Sales of Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pills in the United States in Contraception
In 2023, the FDA approved Opill, the first over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive pill in the United States. This OTC progestin-only pill approval was a milestone expected to expand access by removing barriers to birth control. Yet, an analysis of retail sales from January 2024 to June 2025 found that while Opill sales are gradually increasing, they comprise only 2% of all contraceptive pill sales in the US. The authors suggest possible reasons for this slow uptake, primarily lack of public awareness and cost ($19.99/pack). OTC birth control pills remain an underutilized resource in the US, and both education and cost coverage may help OTC pills realize their full potential for improving contraceptive access.
3. Misoprostol & IUD placements
- Misoprostol for intrauterine device placement in Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews
Misoprostol, a prostaglandin that causes the uterus to soften and dilate, has been proposed to reduce pain during intrauterine device (IUD) placements. Existing evidence, however, suggests that misoprostol is only useful in specific situations, such as repeat attempts after a failed IUD placement. This Cochrane systematic review of 14 randomized controlled trials, including a total of 1972 patients, found that preprocedural misoprostol did not reduce pain during tenaculum or IUD placement, nor improve post-procedure pain or reported provider ease of insertion. It did result in a slight increase in placement success in patients who had a recent failed placement attempt. Due to limited studies, it was not possible to summarize patient satisfaction with misoprostol. This review reaffirms that misoprostol is not useful in reducing pain during IUD placement, and given the potential side effects, such as abdominal pain and nausea, it should not be used routinely. It remains a potentially useful tool for patients who have already had a failed attempt at IUD placement and wish to try again.
4. Conversations About Race in Perinatal Care
- Clinician Perspectives on Navigating Conversations Around Racial Disparities in Obstetrics in Obstetrics & Gynecology
Structural racism in health care continues to drive inequities in obstetric outcomes and is a fundamental component of the maternal health crisis in the United States. While some work has been done to integrate race-related conversations into primary care, little is known about the way that clinicians and patients discuss race within obstetrical care. In this qualitative study, 14 obstetric clinicians—including physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners—reflected on their experiences discussing race with patients. Using a health equity framework, investigators asked questions about clinical scenarios, prior experiences, and general facilitators and barriers to conversations. Study participants cited barriers such as time constraints, uncertainty about how to raise the topic, and fear of patient discomfort. Suggested strategies included simulation training, clinician education, and institutional support. This study underscores that open, well-supported conversations about race are essential to advancing equitable obstetric care.
5. DMPA & trans youth
- Providing contraception to trans youth: a qualitative study investigating the acceptability of DMPA-SC and prior experiences with contraceptive counseling in Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth often face barriers to reproductive healthcare and are frequently excluded from contraceptive counseling due to clinicians’ assumptions. This misses an opportunity for patients who may seek menstrual suppression or have other gynecologic needs. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 35 TGD individuals assigned female at both, using focus groups and individual interviews. Participants reported that they frequently sought hormonal contraceptive methods for menstrual suppression, and wanted information about rates of breakthrough bleeding. Self-administration of DMPA was viewed as an acceptable option as many participants were familiar with self-administration of testosterone. Participants shared insights regarding contraceptive counseling, noting that TGD individuals have unique needs, and should be given the opportunity to voice their preferences around language and counseling. The study highlights DMPA-SC as a useful option for menstrual suppression in TGD patients and underscores the need for affirming, individualized contraceptive care.
6. Telehealth abortion & TGD populations
- Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Expansive Experiences with Telehealth Medication Abortion and Implications for Health Equity in the United States in Contraception
Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Expansive (TNG) individuals need access to abortion care, but often face stigma, discrimination and other barriers to care. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 15 TNG individuals who received medication abortion care via telehealth. Through qualitative interviews, participants described their experiences with telehealth medication abortion positively, noting that it allowed them to avoid misgendering, stigma, and discomfort often encountered in clinics. They found these visits to be empowering, helping them engage with clinicians on their own terms and prioritize privacy and autonomy. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the overall value of telehealth for abortion care, this study highlights its particular importance for TNG individuals.
7. Adolescent abortion access
- A Scoping Review of Barriers to Accessing Abortions among Adolescents in the United States in Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Even before Dobs, adolescents faced complex barriers to abortion care and now additional state-level abortion restrictions further complicate access issues for young people. This scoping review synthesized 15 years of U.S. research on barriers minors face when seeking abortion care before the Dobbs v. Jackson decision. Reviewing 70 studies published between 2007 and 2022, the authors identified a complex web of obstacles. Mandatory parental involvement laws, among other legal restrictions, were among the most frequently cited barriers. Additional barriers included cost, stigma, transportation challenges, misinformation and parent/partner pressure. Together, these findings highlight that minors face all the systemic hurdles adults do, plus unique age-related hurdles that compound inequities. The authors call for strengthened policy and interpersonal support to reduce these barriers and urge future research to assess how the post-Dobbs landscape has intensified obstacles for minors seeking abortion care.
8. Abortion restrictions & infant mortality
- Abortion Restrictions and Infant Mortality in the United States, 2018-2023 in American Journal for Public Health
The Dobbs v. Jackson ruling has had significant implications for abortion access. This study examined how state-level abortion restrictions enacted between 2018 and 2023 affected infant mortality rates in the United States. Researchers compared trends across states that imposed new abortion restrictions and those that did not. Infant mortality rose by 7.2% in restrictive states, with increases seen in early (<1 day) and late (1 month–1 year) infant deaths. The rise was primarily driven by perinatal and noncongenital causes, and could not be fully attributed to an increase in congenital anomalies. The findings suggest that restricting abortion access contributes to preventable infant deaths, underscoring the far reaching consequences of abortion policy on maternal–infant health. The authors point out that further research is needed to explore the mechanisms driving late infant deaths and long-term impacts on affected families.
9. Exploring the complexity of reproductive desires
- Pregnancy Preferences and Incident Pregnancy in the US in JAMA network open
To determine whether individuals are reaching their reproductive desires, it is important to understand the associations between pregnancy desiredness and incident pregnancy: in other words, what is the proportion of people who intentionally become pregnant, vs those who do not? Assessing pregnancy desiredness in research studies can be difficult, as emotions around pregnancy may include uncertainty or ambivalence regardless of pregnancy outcome. Using the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) scale, this longitudinal study followed 9,565 participants over three years, collecting more than 18,000 data points. The authors found that when an individual did not desire pregnancy, they were significantly less likely to become pregnant than someone who did. Importantly, however, these outcomes differed by various factors such as partner cohabitation, race and ethnicity, and level of education. The study illustrates how social and structural inequities shape reproductive autonomy and challenges binary notions of pregnancy intention.
10. Managing period symptoms for young people with developmental disabilities
- Menstrual management using hormonal medications in adolescents and young adults with developmental disability: a systematic review and a meta-analysis in Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD) experience menstrual symptoms, including painful periods and heavy menstrual bleeding, similar to peers but face significant barriers to care. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 20 studies (over 3,000 participants) on hormonal medications for menstrual management among adolescents with DD and evaluated the acceptability, complications, side effects and efficacy of hormonal medications for menstrual management among this population. Hormonal treatments effectively reduced bleeding and were associated with high satisfaction for adolescents with DD. Side effects and complication rates were low. These results highlight the utility of hormonal medications for adolescents with developmental disabilities, a group that remains underserved. Providers should seek training and resources to better support this population.